Vegan Happy Hour Tour

Introducing the Vegan Happy Hour Tour in Ortigia
If you’re exploring Sicily and want a uniquely plant-based experience, the Vegan Happy Hour Tour in Siracusa offers a delightful way to taste local flavors while staying true to a vegan lifestyle. This intimate, small-group tour (limited to just six participants) is led by Tonia, an American expat with 17 years of vegan expertise and a genuine love for Ortigia’s charming streets. From chocolate tasting to vegan cheeses paired with drinks, it’s a curated evening that highlights Sicily’s best without sacrificing ethical choices.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how it combines education with indulgence. First, you’ll get to explore a renowned Modica dark chocolate shop, where experts Ramona or Chiara guide you through vegan Vermouth pairings that elevate the intensely flavored Sicilian chocolate. The second highlight is the visit to MOON, a vegan hotspot on Ortigia, where the signature Cheese Board and a classic cocktail serve as a perfect wind-down.

One thing to consider if you’re planning to include dinner afterward: the tour ends at MOON, and additional dining will be at your own expense. Also, since the tour is limited in size, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot. This experience offers more than just tasting; it’s about understanding and appreciating local, vegan-friendly cuisine in a beautiful setting.

Key Points / Takeaways

Exclusive Focus on Vegan Cuisine: The tour is the only 100% vegan offering in Ortigia, making it a rare and authentic experience for plant-based travelers.
Expert Guides: Led by Tonia, a knowledgeable and passionate guide who combines local insights with her vegan expertise, making the tour both informative and friendly.
Curated Tastings: From vegan dark chocolate and Vermouth pairings to a vegan cheese board, each stop offers high-quality, locally made products paired perfectly with adult beverages.
Small Group Size: With only six people max, you’ll get personalized attention and a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
Informative and Delicious: The tour balances education about Sicilian chocolate and vegan cheeses with plenty of opportunity to taste and shop.
Flexible Ending: The tour wraps up at MOON, where you can choose to enjoy more drinks, snacks, or reserve a dinner table.

Exploring Ortigia’s Only Vegan Happy Hour in Detail

The moment you meet your guide, Tonia, you sense her genuine enthusiasm for Ortigia and vegan food. Her American accent and cheerful manner make the introduction feel personal, even if her Italian is a bit of a work in progress. Her knowledge about the island’s vegan scene and her passion for sharing it truly shine through.

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The Chocolate Stop at Sabadì: A Sweet Beginning

Your first stop is Sabadì, a well-regarded dark chocolate shop specializing in vegan-friendly Modica chocolates. As you walk through the narrow streets of Ortigia, you’ll get a sense of the island’s timeless charm—cobbled narrow alleyways, pastel facades, and the scent of salt air.

Here, Ramona or Chiara, the chocolate and Vermouth experts, will introduce you to a flight of three organic, vegan Vermouths paired with their intense Sicilian dark chocolates. The chocolates are made with traditional Modica techniques—granulated sugar and local cacao—resulting in a texture and flavor unlike any other. During the tasting, they’ll explain how the intense flavor of the chocolate interacts with the herbal notes of the Vermouth, making each sip and bite a multi-layered experience.

Many reviewers, like Janet, have raved about the exquisite flavors: “Ramona described the background of her chocolates and liqueurs very well and the tastes were divine.” The tasting lasts about an hour, leaving plenty of time for shopping or savoring your samples. Plus, the chocolates make excellent gifts for friends or family, so you might want to pick up a few.

Strolling to MOON: A Scenic Walk and a Vegan Cheese Plate

After indulging your sweet tooth, Tonia will lead you on a short, scenic walk through Ortigia’s ancient streets to MOON, a well-loved vegan restaurant and bar. This part of the tour offers a chance to enjoy the island’s ambiance—half-timbered windows, lively piazzas, and fragrant street markets.

At MOON, your experience continues with their signature Vegan Cheese Board—an irresistible array of housemade vegan cheeses, served with fresh baguettes and accompaniments. The pairing with a classic cocktail or glass of local wine makes for a perfect aperitivo. Water is included, and Tonia is happy to chat or let you relax and enjoy the view.

Many guests, including those who aren’t vegan themselves, have found this part of the tour a highlight. Janet’s review captures it well: “The cocktails and cheese plate at the restaurant were divine. This gave us food for thought, even though we’re not vegan.”

While the tour concludes at MOON, you’re encouraged to stay longer or reserve a table for dinner. Mentioning this in your booking will help secure a reservation, ensuring you enjoy a relaxed evening after the tour.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The $91.45 per person price covers the two-hour tour, including all tastings, alcohol, snacks, and the guide’s expert company. It’s a reasonable value considering the high-quality local products, personalized attention, and unique access to Ortigia’s vegan scene.

What’s not included is dinner after the tour, which is at your own expense. This allows you the flexibility to explore local trattorias or enjoy more vegan options at MOON—whichever suits your mood and schedule.

The tour begins at 6:00 pm at Sabadì and concludes around 8:00 pm at MOON, making it a perfect early-evening activity. The small group size ensures you’ll get a more personal experience, and booking ahead is recommended given the limited spots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re curious about vegan food or want to see Ortigia through a culinary lens, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for adults who enjoy tasting fine wines, chocolates, or cheeses, and those who appreciate a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

Travelers who value local, handmade products and want authentic insights into Sicilian vegan offerings will find this experience enriching. Note that children under 18 are not permitted, so it’s best for adults seeking a sophisticated, small-group outing.

This tour works well for foodies, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone interested in trying something different while exploring Sicily’s scenic island streets.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Experience Stands Out

This vegan happy hour is more than just a tasting—it’s a curated journey into Ortigia’s vegan scene, led by guides who genuinely care about sharing their knowledge and passion. The mix of chocolate, cheese, and drink pairings creates a balanced and flavorful experience that appeals even to non-vegans.

The small size of the tour means you’ll get a personalized, relaxed vibe—making it ideal for travelers who want a more authentic and less commercialized experience. The focus on locally made products, from Modica chocolates to housemade vegan cheeses, provides a taste of Sicily’s best in a friendly, approachable way.

While the price might seem high compared to some food tours, the quality of the products, the expert guidance, and the intimate setting make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, ending at MOON gives you a chance to continue enjoying Ortigia’s nightlife or settle in for a relaxed dinner.

This tour is a fantastic choice for those who want a sophisticated, delicious, and meaningful way to experience Sicily’s vegan offerings—especially if you’re a lover of chocolates, cheeses, or simply good drinks in a beautiful setting.

FAQ About the Vegan Happy Hour Tour

Is this tour suitable for non-vegans?
Yes, many non-vegans have enjoyed the tasting and the ambiance, finding it a delightful way to try new foods and learn about Sicilian vegan offerings.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and ending around 8:00 pm.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all alcoholic beverages and snacks are included in the price.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to six participants, providing a more intimate, personalized experience.

Can I book dinner afterward at MOON?
Yes, you can request a reservation when booking to enjoy dinner at MOON after the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the stroll through Ortigia’s streets. Dress casually but appropriately for an evening outing.

Are children allowed?
No, children under 18 are not permitted on this tour.

Is the tour accessible?
The tour involves walking through narrow, ancient streets, so accessibility may be limited. It’s best suited for those able to navigate cobblestones comfortably.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

In summary, the Vegan Happy Hour Tour in Ortigia offers a balanced, authentic, and delightful glimpse into Sicily’s vegan culinary scene. Led by a passionate guide, it’s a perfect choice for foodies, curious travelers, and those wanting a memorable, small-group experience in one of Italy’s most beautiful islands.